Polyurethane can be used for endless applications. It is such a versatile material that it can be found in so many products and industries from roof insulation and tyres through to surfboards and squeegee blades.
What are the advantages of replacing rubber parts with polyurethane ones?
Though polyurethane and rubbers possess some similar elastomeric properties, polyurethane can offer significant advantages over synthetic or natural rubbers.
Greater durability – Polyurethane elastomers demonstrate better mechanical properties – cut, tear and abrasion resistance – than rubbers, leading to a product with a greater durability and longer operational lifetime.
Superior dynamic properties – Polyurethane exhibits superior dynamic properties; so a polyurethane component or wheel of the same Shore hardness as a rubber equivalent will handle greater loads or faster applications.
Superior environmental resistance – Rubbers traditionally possess an inferior environmental resistance and are susceptible to attack by greases, oils or industrial solvents. The ability that we have to tailor polyurethane allows us to offer a material grade well-suited to a wide variety of industries or environments to overcome these issues.
What are the advantages of replacing metal parts with polyurethane ones?
In a variety of environments, polyurethane can be used to replace metal due to several characteristics.
Lowers operational noise & longer lifetime – The elastomeric pr
operties of polyurethane parts allow them to dampen vibration and undergo stresses without deforming, while metals will take a certain stress determined by their yield point before a permanent change takes place. This allows polyurethane components to lower operational noise and offer a longer lifetime in an dynamic application of repeated cycles.
Superior environmental resistance – Polyurethane offers superior environmental or acid resistance than most metals, and it can resist abrasion or scratches to a far greater degree than most common metals.
Highly complex products – Once a suitable tool is produced, the liquid-state processing of polyurethane allows for the casting of highly complex products without the need for expensive machining, welding or other finishing techniques.
What about plastic parts?
Plastics as a material class covers a vast array of plastic types, but against many traditional engineering plastics PU can present a superior choice for certain applications.
Ability to return to original shape – Elastomers such as polyurethane are able to return to their original shape even after experiencing significant deformation whereas after a certain level of stress, plastics undergo plastic deformation and are permanently deformed.
Superior durability – This elastic behaviour allows polyurethane to resist abrasion, vibration or impacts, giving a far superior lifetime in a dynamic environment. Even with the hardest grades of polyurethane, when polyurethane and plastic approach a similar rigidity, a polyurethane part offers superior durability and operational lifetime.
Easily tailored – Polyurethane parts are easily tailorable to target the needs of a particular environment, be it mechanical properties, dynamic performance or chemical resistance.
Our Innovations team welcomes the opportunity to work with you to create a product that adds value to your business.
You may also like to read: https://www.wattspolyurethane.co.uk/your-industry/